Electrical store service apparatus



2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

(No Model.)

B. DYER. ELECTRICAL STORE SERVICE APPARATUS.

I Patentecl Mar. 5 1889.

N. Puzns, Phclmhtlvngnpher, wzshin hm, Dv cv (No Modl.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2..

R. N. DYER.

ELEGTRIGAL STORE SERVICE APPARATUS. N0. 399,137. PatentedMar. 5, 1889.

N. FEHIRS Fholrrliil'cgmphen Wazhington Dv C.

UNITED STATES nrnivr @rrrcn.

RICHARD N. DYER, OF EAST ORANGE, NElY JERSEY, ASSIGNUP. Tt) WILLIAM,

LAMSON, OF LOXVELL, MASSAC'IIFSETYIS.

ELECTRICAL STORE-SERVICE APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 399,137, dated March Application filed June 29, 1887. erial No. 242,819. (No medeld To ail [071.0710 may concern.-

Be it known that I, RICHARD N. DYER, of East Orange, in the county of Essex and State of New Jersey, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Electrical Store 1 paratus; and my invention consists in the wheels.

several novel features of construction and arrangement, and in the various novel combinations of parts, all as fully hereinafter explained, and pointed out by the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part hereof, Figure l is a plan of the way, showing the electrical connections thereto; Fig. 2, a similar view illustrating a modified arrangement of electrical connections; Fig. 3, an elevation showing the arrangement at a sales-station; Fig. 4:, a top view of a sales-station with the carrier on the way; Fig. 5, an elevationof the electric indicatorat the cashiers station; Fig. 6, an elevation showing a car passing the break in the way at a salesstation; Fig. 7, an elevation showing a simple way without switches; Fig. 8, an end View of one of the carriers, the frame being partially broken away to disclose the two motormagnets; Fig. 9, a plan view of the carrier with the top of the frame broken away; Fig. 10, a view illustrating the circuit-connections with the motor-magnets; Fig. 11,21 view similar to Fig. 8 of a carrier with one motorma-gnet, the extra switchingavheels for carriers running to other than the first sales-station being also shown.

The way of my store-service apparatus, whether the system is simple or complex, is

composed of two metal strips, a b, forming tracks, placed close together and parallel and supported at intervals by blocks 0, of wood or other insulating material, into slots in which the strips are set. These blocks are carried by arms 0, extending laterally on one side only of the way, as shown in Figs. 8 and 11. The

dynamo-electric machine A, battery, or other source of electrical energy supplying current to drive the carriers is connected with the two i stiips c b, forming the way, one strip conducting the outgoing current and the other actingas a return. The carriers which travel on the way have each two wheels, B C, 0E brass or other non-magnetic metal, which support the frame 0 of the carrier, and at the same time serve to maintain the necessary electrical contact with the tracks. The wheels B C are mounted on a horizontal shaft, d, passing through both sides of the frame 0 and divided by insulation, (1', between the The carrier driven by one or more electro-magnets actuating the revolving armatures andconnected with the wheels B (1 directly or through speed-reducing gearing.

I prefer to employ two electro-magnets, D E, acting upon soft-iron armatures D E, mounted directly upon the outer sides of the brass Wheels B C and extending diametrically across the same. The magnets D E are secured to the sides of the frame G and project toward the armatures D E. These armatures are directly opposite each other2'. 8., their longitudinal central lines are in the same plane, while the magnets are placed at right angles to each other, as shown in Fig. 10. The frame C is divided byinsulation at (1 so as not to form a short circuit. 011 the ends of the shaft (1 outside of the frame are two metal disks, 6 e, the former having sections of insulation, ff, and acting as a commutator to direct the current first to one magnet and then to the other. An insulated circuit-spring, g, bears on the disk c',which acts simply as a rubbing-contact, while two insulated circuit-springs, g 9 bear on the periphery of the commutator-disk c. A wire, 1, from spring connects with both magnets, while wires 2 and 3 run from the springs g g to the magnets D E, respectively.

The operation of the commutator will be readily understood. The magnets are energized alternately, attracting the armatures alternately and producing a continuous rotation of the wheels B C so long as the circuitconnections are maintained. The frame C hangs down on one side only of the carrier,

and then bends laterally under the way, forming a bail,' C for the support of the basket or other receptacle C.

By bringing the two tracks close together in a horizontal plane and hanging the receptacle by a bail extending from the frame of the carrier down on one side of the wayI produce a compact light structure not objectionable to the sight, and one well adapted for the introduction of curves and switches Instead of using two electro-magnets on each carrier, I may employ only one, Fig. 11. The commutator will not be changed, with the exception that the spring g will be omitted, as will be well understood. The sides of the frame C approach closer at the ends of the carrier (see Fig. 9) than at the center, and are connected by strengthening-bars c, of insulating material.

At each station on the way the tracks terminate in sections a b,which are not connected in circuit. The carrier will run in upon this disconnected section, and in passing from the connected portion of the track will break the circuit, its movement being continued by its momentum. Here the carrier will strike a spring, F, of any suitable form, which it will put under tension, and which will gradually arrest the movement of the carrier, and when nearly at rest the carrier will pass over a pivoted spring-latch, G, which will prevent the carrier from being thrown back upon the connected track. Now, when it is desired to return the carrier the latch G will be tripped by pulling a cord, 71, attached thereto, and the spring F will start the carrier back, driving it upon the connected track and starting the action of the motor, which is itself incapable of starting from all positions of rest. Instead of a spring, a throwing or pushing device worked by the saleswoman can be employed, such being common in gravity and other forms of nonelectric apparatus for starting the carriers. This arrangement, it will be seen, contemplates the running of the motor back and forth over the same track in opposite directions. lVith ordinary arrangements of electric motors this would require a reversing of the circuit connections. I accomplish the same end in a much simpler manner. The commutator-disk e on each carrier ismounted loosely on the shaft d, so as to be capable of turning thereon. It has a slot, 1', Fig. 10, having the length of a quarter of a circle, in which plays apin, i, from an arm or disk fixed to the shaft. Now, when the carrier is started in its return movement by the spring F, the friction of the springs g g on the disk '6 will hold the disk until the pin 2" travels to the opposite end of the slot "2 and this movement will give the proper relative position of the parts for running the car in the opposite direction.

For a simple system, Fig. 7, a way may be employed with a station at each end and an electric carrier such ashas been described traveling back and forth over the Way. At each end the way will have an insulated section and the spring and latch or other means for stopping and holding the carrier and for starting it on its return movement. A number of such simple lines can be arranged to diverge from the cashiers desk, as will be well understood. My electrical apparatus, how

ever, is more particularlydesigned for a more complex system embracing two or more sales stations on each way. The way for such a system is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Itcomprises a cashiers station, H, and three salesstations, H, H and H all terminating in sections of disconnected track a b. Each salesstation has a spring, F, and latch G. The cashiers station is not designed to have such devices; but the disconnected section of track a Z) is designed to be quite long, so that several carriers can run in on it, and these will be started back by hand. The way has three main sections, I I lithe break between the sections I and I being bridged by arching switch-plates 7t 7;, while the break between the sections 1 and I is bridged by other arching switch-plates, Z Z. tions (shown in dotted lines) connect the switch-plates k and Z with the track a and the switch-plates 7t" and Z with the track I). The carriers for sales-stations ll and 11* have small extra switchingavheels m m, Fig. l1, on the ends of the driving-shaft (I, which are placed farther apart for the carrier for station H than for the carrier for station H The plates Z Z are also farther apart than the plates 7; 7c. The carrier for station H has no switching-wheels. It runs between the plates 7.: It and under the plate It to its station. The carrier for station 11 has its switching-wheels m m just far enough apart to catch the edges of the plates k 7;, which carry it over the break in the way, as shown in Fig. (i; but these switching-wheels run between the plates Z I and the car is deflected laterally under the plate 1 to its station. The carrier for station H has its switching-wheels set the proper distance apart to catch the edges of the plates H, which carry it over the break in the way at the station H from whence it runs to the stat-ion H. Itis evident that by this switchingdevice a way with any desirable number of stations can be constructed. This form of switch is not claimed, broadly, herein, since it is covered by my patent, No. 381,495, dated April 17 1888.- Its'a-pplication to an electrical apparatus, for which it is par ticularly adapted, however, forms a part of this invention. It will be seen that the small switching-wheels m on being on the drivingshaft (1 of the carrier, and the switching-plates being connected in circuit, certain ends are attained. The electric motor on the carrier receives current while the carrier is on theswitching-plates, and thus the carrier is continued to be driven, and it is not necessary to rely upon momentum to drive the carrier otter the switching-plates. The switching-wheels Circuit-connecat such times becoming the driving-wheels and being smaller than the main wheels, the electric motor is given additional power and less speed, which enables it to drive the carrier over the switching-plates with ease.

The way having carriers running in both directions upon it, I have devised certain devices for preventing interferencebetween the carriers. The preferred arrangement is illus trated in diagram in Fig. 1 and a modified arrangement in Fig. 2. Both arangements contemplate the use of an electro-magnet, K, at each sales-station. This is arranged (see Fig. 3) with its armature-lever K in position to lock the latch G when the magnet is energized and prevent the releasing of the carrier.

For this purpose the armature-lever K has a hooked end, 12, which catches the tail of the latch when the armature is drawn forward, i but at other times does not interfere with the working of the latch. A circuit, 4: 5, extends from the track I) at the cashiers station to the track a at the last sales-station, H In this circuit are located the magnets K for all the to reach their destination before opening the I may, however, employ an indi- 1 switch 0.

cator which will at all times show the cashier l whether the way is clear or not.

This indicator is an electro-niagnet, L, Fig. 5, whose armature-lever Lis connected with a cord, 13, wound around the spindle of a vane, q. This vane will be white on one side and red or black on the other, or have appropriate words painted on opposite sides. \Yhcn the magnet l. is not energized, the white side of the vane will be presented to the cashier, while the at traction of the lever L toward the magnet will turn the vane around, presenting its red or black side to the cashier. A small weight, g, or a spring is used to turn the vane back when the armature-lever is retracted.

The electro-magnet L will be included in the circuit between the dynamo A or battery and the track. Its armature-retracting spring 1) will be adjusted so that. the armature will not be drawn forward when the switch 0 is closed, but will only be moved when a carrier is on the way, and will then remain forward until theway is clear. Thus the cashier will not only know whether or not a carrier is approaching him but he can tell the instant a carrier sent out by him has reached its destination.

By the modified arrangement of connec tions, Fig. 2, the dyuiaino A is also in the circuit- 4t 5, and the current for driving the carriers flows through this circuit. Hence any carrier upon the way will close the circuit through, the magnets K and L, so that the starting of acarrier, either at the cashiers station or a sales-station, will lock all the sales-stations and set the vane at the cashiers station. An extra circuit-connection, U, with a suitable resistance, r, and switch .9, is provided at the cashiers desk, so that the cashier-can, by closing the switch 5, lock all the stations in advance of pushing a carrier upon the way.

What I claim is 1. In electrical store-service apparatus, the conililinatiou, with the wayformed of two parallel tracks placed close together in the same horizontal. plane and connected with opposite sides of-the circuit,of a carrier having wheels in the same horizontal plane riding upon both of said tracks, an electric motor mounted upon said carrier and receiving current through said wheels, and a receptacle-supporting bail depending from the carrier on one side of the way, substantially as set forth.

2. In electrical store-service apparatus, the combination, with a way formed of two parallel tracks connected with opposite sides of the circuit and arranged close together, and insulatingsupports at intervals connecting the tracks to form asingle structure and projecting laterally in one direction, of a carrier having wheels riding upon both of said tracks, an electric motor mounted upon said carrier and receiving current through said wheels, and a receptacle-supporting bail depending from the carrier and hanging down on one side of the way, substantially as set forth.

In electrical storescrvice apparatus, the combination, with a carrier having two driv ing-wheels riding on the way, of two revolving soft-iron armatures with their central longitudinal lines in the same plane, two electromagnets located at right angles to each other and arranged so that the armatures revolve across their poles, and a commutator for directin the current to the magnets alternately, substantially as set forth.

4:. In electrical store-service apparatus, the combination, with a way forming the circuit, of a carrier having an electric motor riding on said way, a section. at the end of the way disconnected from the circuit and forming a continuation of the main body of the way and in line therewith and in the same horizontal plane, a latch for holding the car, and a start ing device for starting the car on its returntrip, substantially as set forth.

5. In electrical storeervice apparatus, the combination of a carrier, an electric motor thereon, and a shifting commutator which is shifted by the friction of the spring or springs thereon in starting the carrier, substantially as set forth.

6. In electrical store-service apparatus, the combination of a carrier, an electric motor thereon, a commutator mounted loosely on a shaft of the carrier and connected therewith by a slot and pin, and one or more springs bearing on said commutator and causing it to ill-if? by friction thereon, substantially as set ort- 1.

7. In electrical store-service apparatus, the

combination, with the way formed of two tracks connected with opposte sides of the electric circuit, of breaks in said way and parallel switching-plates bridging such breaks and also connected with the circuit, substannation, with a way and carriers traveling "tially as set forth.

8. In electrical store-service apparatus, the combination, with the -way formed of two tracks connected with opposite sides of the electric circuit, of switching-plates, also connected with said circuit, and carriers having switching-wheels on the driving-shafts of the carriers, substantially as set forth.

Q. In electrical store-service apparatus, the combination, with the way formed of two tracks connected with opposite sides of the electric circuit, of switching-plates, also connected with said circuit, and carriers having switching-wheels on the driving-shafts of the carriers, said switching-Wheels being smaller than the main wheels of the carriers, substantially as set forth.

10. In store-service apparatus, the combination, with a way and carriers traveling thereon, of latches holding the carriers at their stations and elect-r0 -magnets locking such latches, substantially as set forth.

11. In store-service apparatus, the combithereon, of latches holding the carriers at their station s, electro-rnagn ets locking s uch latches,

and a switch at one end of the way controlling the circuit to such elect-ro-magnets, substantially as. set forth.

This specification signed and witnessed this 28th day of June, 1887.

RICHARD N. DY'ER. WVitnesses:

WILLIAM PELZER, E. C. ROWLAND. 

